Are PNB HF’s premium valuations sustainable?

Since making its debut on the bourses on November 7 last year, PNB Housing Finance (PNB HF) has rewarded investors handsomely. The stock has more than doubled in this period (over its issue price) to Rs 1,649. Valuations, too, have re-rated, with its price to book valuations having raced ahead of larger peers like Indiabulls Housing Finance (Indiabulls HF) and Dewan Housing Finance Corporation (DHFL). At current levels, PNB HF trades at 4.4 times the FY18 estimated book, as against 3.6 times and 1.7 times for Indiabulls HF and DHFL, respectively. Though some factors that differentiate PNB HF from its peers, these premium valuations appear sustainable.